Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has reacted to reports that United States authorities seized a Nigerian-owned supertanker over alleged crude oil theft.
The vessel was reportedly impounded amid claims of oil theft and other illicit activities linked to Nigeria’s offshore operations.
In a statement shared on X, the former Anambra State governor said the incident validates his long-standing warnings about the scale of crude oil theft in Nigeria. He described the development as deeply troubling and urged the government to treat it as a national wake-up call.
Obi said Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to oil theft due to weak institutions, poor accountability, and entrenched impunity. According to him, the continued loss of the country’s most valuable resource directly affects public services, worsens insecurity, and deepens poverty.
He stressed that ordinary citizens cannot steal crude oil at such a scale, adding that the situation points to the involvement of powerful networks operating unchecked. Obi called for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full facts and ensure accountability.
The former governor also urged the government to strengthen maritime security, reform regulatory agencies, and adopt transparent digital systems to track oil production and exports. He said dismantling criminal cartels in the oil sector is critical to protecting the national economy.
Obi further warned that Nigeria’s global reputation suffers when corruption and resource theft dominate international headlines. He said the country cannot attract sustainable investment without demonstrating respect for the rule of law and responsible governance.
He called on Nigerian authorities to work closely with international partners to establish the truth surrounding the seizure and ensure that anyone found culpable faces justice, without bias.
Obi concluded by saying Nigeria has the resources to become a prosperous and respected nation but lacks leadership that places citizens’ welfare at the centre of governance. He said the time has come for meaningful change.
